SPLENDID YOUTH

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24264, 4 May 1942, Page 4

SPLENDID YOUTH

PARADE IN DOMAIN AIR TRAINING CORPS YICE-KEGAL INSPECTION An inspection of Auckland squadrons of the Air Training Corps and flights of the Air Cadets was made yesterday by the Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall, in the Domain. It was the first ceremonial parade of the force in Auckland, and about 800 boys and youths paraded. There was a large attendance of the public, and the parade was also watched by the Mayor, Mr. J. A. C. Allum, and service representatives. Congratulating the corps and cadets on their showing, His Excellency said it was "a mighty good parade. It does you and your officers very great credit," he said. "I am sure I am speaking for the people of Auckland when I say they have great pride in you. No Higher Standard or Aim "Of all the numeroujjj duties which fall to our lot in this beautiful country of yours," he added, "the one which pleases us most is to meet the young idea —the youth of the Dominion. It is an inspiration to me that you should be giving this service to your country. I pray God that the war will be over before your services are needed, but if they are I know that you will give them to your country and Empire willingly and with great gallantry. The air soldiers of the Empire have set a very high standard, and that standard must be your aim. There is no higher standard and no higher aim." His Excellency reoommended to their attention three points which he said would stand them in good stead in any walk of life. The first was to be thorough in everything they did. There should be no skimping of any job; all details should bo cared for from A to Z. The second was to be self-disciplined, so that when they were given a job those who gave it to them would know it would be done and would not have to put half a dozen others on to the task of seeing that it was carried out.

Seen No Better Youth The third was to keep the mind alert, and unless the body was fit this could not be done. He had seen no better youth than the youth of New Zealand, and he was sare they could observe this point also. When His Excellency, who was attended by his military secretary, Major 0. J. Holland-Martin, arrived at the parade ground, he was met by the commandant of the Air Training Corps, Wing-Commander G. A. Nicholls, and staff officers. The parade, which was drawn up in review order in squadron mass, accorded him the Royal Salute, and was then inspected. This was followed by a march past and, after His Excellency had addressed the parade, the ceremony was concluded with a further Royal Salute. Two bands plaved the corps and cadets past the saluting base. Three Auckland squadrons and the Takapuna squadron of the Air Training Corps took part in the parade, as well as flights of Air Cadets from the following schools: —Auckland, Mount Albert and Takapuna Grammar Schools, King's College, Sacred Heart College and Seddon Memorial and Otahuhu Technical Colleges.